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Yesterday, the Chicago Cubs picked up one utility infielder and dropped another. Adrian Cardenas came in from the A’s and Blake DeWitt went out by way of a DFA (which could see him traded, released, claimed, or sent to AAA Iowa within the next seven to ten days).

The broad consensus is that the Cubs dropped DeWitt in favor of a cheaper, younger, better-hitting (though less power), more versatile, slightly worse defender. On the balance, it’s easy to see why the Cubs made the move, even if Cardenas isn’t anyone who’s going to knock your socks off. Like DeWitt, Cardenas is no lock to make the Cubs’ 25-man roster out of Spring, but, because he’s theoretically able to back up shortstop (where DeWitt wasn’t), he’s got a leg up.

In the wake of the move, there were a number of reactions, pontifications, etc. about Cardenas, and there are also a number of useful background bits on him:

Cardenas was, before the Gio Gonzalez trade, the A’s 12th ranked prospect according to Baseball America – that’s a pretty nice prospect to pick up for free. He’s frequently described as having an excellent approach at the plate, good contact skills, uses all field, etc. But he’s also frequently described as lacking any semblance of power, and having only mediocre base running skills. His defense is called “fringy,” and he apparently doesn’t look particularly fluid at shortstop or second base. He played a fair bit of left field last year, and can also play third base, so he’s passable in a number of positions – he just doesn’t play any of them particularly well.

Before 2010, Cardenas was consistently considered one of the best prospects in baseball. He was the high school player of the year in 2006, and was a supplemental first round pick that year by the Phillies (he came to the A’s in the Joe Blanton trade). He was roundly considered a top 100 prospect in baseball back in 2008 and 2009. But the defense didn’t come along, and the bat didn’t explode to such a level as to overcome the defensive issues. He’s got a great bat for a middle infielder, but he doesn’t have the glove to be a regular in the middle infield, according to most.

BP’s Kevin Goldstein wasn’t all too impressed with the pickup, questioning why, if Cardenas was someone worth giving a job, he was even available in the first place. He went on to say that Cardenas “can hit,” but is “a really bad infielder.”

On a battle between Cardenas and Darwin Barney, such as one would ever exist, Goldstein was clear: “Darwin Barney shouldn’t play every day, but he’s a wonderful defender and 80 makeup guy. He’ll still be in MLB when Cardenas is forgotten.”

That all said, I asked Goldstein whether he thought DeWitt would be claimed off waivers (if the Cubs can’t find a trade partner), and, if so, whether the Cubs are better off with Cardenas and $600k (the difference between DeWitt’s and Cardenas’ salaries). He indicated that DeWitt would probably be claimed, and that the Cubs are probably better off with Cardenas and the cash. In other words, even someone who’s unimpressed by Cardenas thinks the move was probably a net gain for the Cubs.

One thing to keep in mind on Cardenas – he’s still got two option years left, so it’s not as though the Cubs have to either open the season with him or lose him completely. He could make some time at AAA Iowa to start the year, if it were required.

..basically we’re still an impact bat away (Fielder) from scoring consistently. replacing Soriano with Cespedes won’t do much offensively, unless he’s a .285plus power hitter (scouts says .250-.275BA). But, replacing Byrd and Soriano with Cespedes and Brett Jackson midseason would light a fire with more speed (& power from BJax)

but no matter the combination, with the new Lefties, I keep coming up with Castro as the Clean Up hitter to split up the Lefties that we need to be successfull (lahair and stewart) ..against a LH pitcher these lineups go to hell because the utility/backup guys have no power -OF sappelt, 1B/3B baker, 2B barney, OF r.johnson

CubFan Paul

This team just doesn’t have a Clean-up hitter. I wonder if Theo&Co see Cespedes as that type of player (i don’t).

Alex

Tom from Cubs Den posted a comment on his site and on Twitter that MLB Radio said Selig was near a decision. And a name being tossed around was Josh Vitters as compensation for Theo to the Red Sox.

I’m not crazy about this, but oh well. Lets finally put this behind us and move on.

Cheryl

Maybe, if Vitters is the one, it would be best for him. And, as you say, let’s get it settled.

Big Joe

Starting to wonder…if the big league club, and the AAA Iowa team played a seven game series, who would win? Could you tell them apart? Not trying to be negative here. But, with each passing day, another player that I’ve never heard of is picked up. On the other hand, the competition is busy buying up the high-level talent. I realize there is a plan, but I fail to see the logic in grabbing up every utility/fringe player out there…bounce-back/high upside, or not. Gambling on guys that other teams have written off doesn’t excite me in the least. Yes, yes, I know there is a plan. That plan is shaping up to be a much longer developing scenario with each new transaction. In my opinion, this year’s team may have Cub fans begging for last year’s team. A 100 loss season is very much a possibility.

die hard

They must think they need more hitting and can work with him on his fielding….or hes going to be packaged in trade before camp opens

Jeremy

Can anybody explain to me why in the Cubs chat today on Espn Chicago Bruce Levine discussed Junior Lake being able to hit? From everything Ive read about him he struggles with plate discipline and strikes out a ton where in the world would Bruce be getting this info?

curt

this move is a mystery to me they sign dewitt to a deal now dfa him in favor of a guy who doesnt play real well defensively, which btw were told over and over pitching and defense wins championships he doesent pitch obviously and from what im reading plays spotty defense so other than saving money whats the point just wondering.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Did some digging on the compensation talks with Selig, and it sounds like Vitters is indeed being discussed. Junior Lake is another possibility.

Say what you will about their future with the Cubs, but, man, either one is a pretty steep price to pay. Nothing is set in stone at this point. Most third party commentators – the Bruce Levines, Kevin Goldsteins, etc. – still seem to think the compensation will be a low level prospect. If the Sawx get Vitters or Lake, I think you can probably say they “won.”

Kyle

Yeah, that’s a lot more than we were hoping to give up. Eww.

CubFan Paul

agreed. i’ve been hoping for a $500k and low level prospect settlement. more of a fine for the cubs than anything

die hard

If Cubs are contenders beginning 2014 and many years thereafter, then Cubs won…If not contenders then, yes, Bosox [and San Diego] won.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Not won between Epstein and the prospect. Won the compensation fight. Two very distinct things.

die hard

Cannot separate the two…wont know if whatever total cost will be of raiding Bosox and San Diego was worth it until the future…now is wait and see….2014-2018….no matter how lost players do for other teams, Cubs are winners if they become contenders…As Brando yelled to Stella, ” I couldve been a contenda”…hopefully Cubs fans wont be yelling this in a few years….Go Cubs…pitchers and catchers report soon

Turn Two

I think you have to separate the two. No matter which one individual player we give up, I’d think ultimately it is worth the culture change we are experiencing…even if it were Garza. However, that would be a completely unreasonable and unfair trade off based on prior precedent and the fact that Theo was probably taking off a year later anyway. Therefore in the current context, I am quite upset about Vitters potentially being sent away, I still believe he has a lot of upside. This does not fall into previous precedent and unless an agreement was in fact made during the initial discussions, this seems unreasonable.

Therefore, it seems clear we ultimately will have gotten the better end of the deal (Epstein for Vitters) but they won the compensation, by getting a much greater return than previous gm’s have warranted. Side note: Does San Diego get a much better return than expected too, if this happens?

Movie Buff

Die Hard, you have your movies mixed up. Stella was in Streetcar Named Desire. The “I coulda been a contender” line is from On the Waterfront–a completely different Brando movie. In Streetcar, Brando yells, “Stteeeeeelllllllaaaaaaa.”

Stinky Pete

Psh. Diehard never lets facts get in the way.

MichiganGoat

That’s right logic, facts, truth these are not necessities. Sometimes when choosing between two roads a brave person will drive right through the woods to crazy town.

BetterNews

MG-You’re geting dumber by the moment.

MichiganGoat

Always classy my friend.

BetterNews

I’m waiting for a reply from Katie! That ‘s usually the case.

MichiganGoat

So back to the old BetterNews I guess? You were doing so better.

BetterNews

Bottom line I am right 80% of the time!

Jay Anderson Jr

Once again, it was completely overlooked that MG call diehard crazy, but pointed out that betternews call MG dumb. Not taking sides, but there are a lot of biased people on this site. Both comments were not needed. But please, if you point out one, please point out the other. I don’t see where diehard said anything that warranted him being calledn crazy.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

I don’t condone calling anyone “crazy,” you’re right about that. But, as a related matter: die hard sometimes makes crazy comments. That’s not a neither a new development, nor ignorable.

And if you’re saying I’m biased against BetterNews and die hard and in favor of MG, you might be right. That bias has developed over the course of months and months of comments. Bias is actually the wrong word – they’ve each demonstrated what they’re about. That’s not my bias. That’s just me paying attention.

butlerdawgs

What’s your problem? Can’t we just talk Cubs and not get into petty squabbles?

BetterNews

You were too!

MichiganGoat

Since I’m not going to play “I know you are but what am I” with you, I must inform you that I will no longer reply, comment, or attempt to help you communicate. It is apparent that you have no desire to be a quality member of this site and therefore I say farewell. Time to ignore completely and forever. Goodbye.

BetterNews

You have no idea.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Why do you do this, BetterNews? You had been fine for a while. And now you’re back to being petty, childish, and calling people dumb? I’ve been more than patient. Don’t make me feel foolish for hoping you could stop this nonsense.

Jay Anderson Jr

Once again, it was completely overlooked that MG called diehard crazy, but pointed out that betternews call MG dumb. Not taking sides, but there are a lot of biased people on this site. Both comments were not needed. But please, if you point out one, please point out the other. I don’t see where diehard said anything that warranted him being called crazy.

die hard

just testing your knowledge and I needed to rhyme it and besides Brando wouldnt mind the post mortem publicity

Alex

Yeah.. Maybe you can say the Red Sox won, but I would rather keep the pitching at this point. Vitters has fallen down the prospect list over the past few years, but I guess you can’t give up on him just yet.

Considering the Red Sox fans were crying for Garza and Brett Jackson since this compensation talk started (and still are), I don’t think they will be doing any cartwheels over this either.

If it is Vitters, I wish him luck.. Now lets move on to baseball.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

If the choice, for example, was Josh Vitters or Austin Kirk, I’d much rather hold onto Vitters. Even if I don’t think he can help the Cubs in the near future, Vitters has value. More than Kirk, in my mind. Again, that’s just a “low-level” pitching example.

Alex

Oh yeah, I agree. I was talking about Trey McNutt when his name was being tossed around during the Arizona Fall League.

I hope Selig wises up and gives them a low level prospect instead.

http://CubbiesCrib.com Luke

If it is Vitters or Lake, I’d love to be young front office baseball type who is likely to be a GM candidate in a few years. Every smart team in baseball will be beating my door down with long term contracts so they can get high-end prospect compensation for me in a few years when I get hired away and given a promotion by someone else.

If that is the path Selig wants to take, the Cubs still win. They have the deep pockets to sign those guys and the prestigious front office that an upcoming exec would love to work with. It could easily turn into a net profit for the Cubs in a few years unless Selig can find a way to gouge the Cubs without setting a new precedent. I’m skeptical that he can.

Or you could allow an interview providing sufficient compensation. How is this different than the team willing to trade Garza “assuming the right price”?

Brady

I am still wondering why it couldn’t be Dewitt seeing as we no longer need him and he must be dealt with in the same time frame. Bringing in Cardenas could be a replacement so that we it doesn’t hurt us to lose him and at the same time I would think that would be “significant” compensation to Boston. They’d at least be getting a major league player rather than a prospect. Could be a win for both sides.

MightyBear

No way we should have to give up Vitters or Lake. If Selig does that, he’s a bigger idiot than I thought.

Alex

Selig unfortunately is a bigger idiot than everyone thinks.

Toosh

I’ve always thought Selig was a bigger idiot than some people.

Luis Salazar

I have never met anyone who doesn’t think Selig is a complete and raging dumbass… This comp. thing got scary when it was put in his hands.

Cubbiecop

I’d be more angry with giving up Lake than Vitters to be honest. I think there is more upside with Lake. Vitters might prove me wrong if he gets a change of teams. I think that is a bit steep for compensation, low level prospect that we DID NOT JUST DRAFT. I’d be royally pissed if we gave up Vogelbach. I think he is gonna be a beast!!

JulioZuleta

I’d rather give up Vitters as well, but not by much. I’d be sick if Lake left and we saw him hit his potential (unlikely). It won’t be a 2011 draftee, they can’t change teams until 1 year after they signed, which is August for most of them.

baseballet

I’m curious why everyone always dumps on Selig. Nobody ever mentions anything specific, they just say they hate him. I don’t know anything about him or the decisions he’s made–he may in fact deserve scorn–but I remember hearing Steve Stone gush about how fantastic he’s been for baseball, so I’m curious why commenters always express their distaste for him.

Toosh

The owners like him. What baseball really needs, though, is a leader that both sides have agreed on. The way it’s set up now, the Commissioner works for the owners.

WGNstatic

That is a good question baseballet.

There are certainly aspects of how MLB is run that frustrates many fans. Most notably are some of the blackout rules on broadcasts and the All-Star game thing.

That said, there are other aspects that he should get some credit for (even if purists don’t like it), such as interleague play. Most forget/ignore that he also was at the helm for the institution of the Wild Card playoff format, again, something that some purists don’t like, but we could all probably agree has been good for baseball.

He comes off as a retired used car salesman from Milwaukee. So, I think the disdain is more based on that than any real reason to dislike him.

baseballet

Thanks WGNstatic. I love the wild card, which is a huge improvement, and I also love interleague play. I’ve seen the Cubs play the Mets in NY and look forward to see them play the Twins in Mpls this year. So if he’s responsible for both of those then kudos.
If he’s done anything terrible to baseball I’m curious to hear what it is. There’s so much venom on the blogs every time his name comes up.

Toosh

It’s a long list, but I’ll start with this. Letting the All-Star game decide who gets home field advantage for the World Series.

TWC

I think you could start and end with that and I’d say you’d have made a pretty strong case.

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

On the other hand, the Wild Card is also his work. That one has worked out very well. The World Cup isn’t such a bad thing either, especially if baseball can’t get back into the Olympics. And while the 94 debacle is on his resume, so is 20+ years of labor peace. I gotta give the guy some credit for that.

I’ll be glad when he retires – no one should hold a job like that for that long – but I can’t agree that he’s an idiot or has been bad for baseball. In fact, when I look at labor peace and the wild card, I think I have to put him in the Hall of Fame as a Commissioner. And that’s despite the All-Star game nonsense.

Toosh

Don’t mind the Wild Card the way it is now but the addition of another Wild Card in each league and then a 1 game sudden death matchup? Ridiculous! Cancelling the ’94 postseason, giving tacit approval to steroid abuse because fans were coming back to the game, etc.

http://www.casualcubsfan.com hansman1982

Toosh, I disagree. Right now, there isn’t much of a disadvantage to getting the Wild Card over the divisional crown and at time teams may prefer the Wild Card due to matchups.
Instituting a 1 game play-in is a good way to spur teams to maybe play harder for the divisional crown at the end of the season and ensures that every year we get 1 exciting win-or-go home game. If you don’t want to play in that game or think its unfair to get one shot to make it in the playoffs – win your division.

WGNstatic

I whole heartedly agree, the All-Star game – World Series thing, is, well, just dumb.

That said, I still think that despite being an oafish, ham-handed, used car salesman, Bud Selig has been a decent commissioner.

BetterNews

Don’t use the word dumb around here.YOU WIL BE BLACK BALLED.

Andrewmoore4isu

Who’s the guy that we let go that always played second and
Shortstop like a gold glover but could barely hit .200? I think he went to Texas…? Backed up theriot and fonteno…? Gah I’m drawing a blank

http://CubbiesCrib.com Luke

Andreas Blanco?

chris margetis

It was Blanco. He was arguably the best fielder I have ever seen with the Cubs. Also, couldn’t hit his weight unfortunately.

Bric

If I recall, Blanco was traded to the Rangers who needed a utility infielder for a “player to be named later” who never was. I viewed it as informal compensation by Hendry for Jarimillo. Even though he couldn’t hit and I believe eventually got waived, he still got a World Series Ring out of it. And the Cubs got nothing.

http://cubbiescrib.com Luke

His contract was purchased by the Rangers (ie: traded for cash considerations). He was with Texas off and on in both 2010 and 2011. This spring he’ll report to camp as a National.

Idaho Razorback

I like the Cardenas move. Low risk, high reward. Blake DeWitt is a nothing. Hell, I’d rather have Joyce DeWitt play 2nd. As far as compenstion to the Red Sox, at this point in their careers I think Lake has more upside than Vitters, I’d rather loose Vitters.

Russ

Whatever the compensation turns out to be, it it shall be a trivial price for a Championship.

Alex

I hope this means that the agreement the Cubs have with the Red Sox to not raid their front office for 3 years is now voided.

I thought that would be part of the agreement if the Cubs and Red Sox settled the compensation issue. Now since that won’t be the case I hope Theo raids every non-contracted employee in the Red Sox organization.

Dick

If the Cubs lose Vitters or Lake as compensation, they will have lost or given away
Cashner, LeMahieu, Flaherty, Colvin, Vitters/Lake, and Gonzalez – in other words, almost every near major league player in their farm system when Theo, Jed, and company arrived. And we still have Soriano, Byrd, and all the other old hopeless players from last year. I hope Rizzo, Torreyes, and a couple others turn out to be good, but I’m not impressed with our new regime’s performance thus far. The Cubs all-time record for losses is 103, and I’m afraid they are going to test it this year and next year.

Martin

You realize that, outside of Cashner and (maybe) Lake, none of those players are any good, right?

Toosh

The players you mention are Hendry’s suspects, I mean prospects. Which means they never would have panned out with the Cubs.

Alex

Now I don’t feel so bad.. I was texting back and forth with my buddy who is a Red Sox fan. He said he will be pissed if the Sox get either Vitters or Lake. He is still pissin’ and moanin’ about wanting Garza (who they were never going to get) and/or Brett Jackson as compensation.

He said they don’t need Vitters nor Lake, because they have Middlebrooks and Bogaerts and that neither Vitters or Lake will be a Top 10 prospect for the Red Sox.

Maybe that’s what Selig was going for. Something in the middle. They asked for the moon, we offered the floor. This way both fan bases will be dissatisfied.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

But if you’re mediating a negotiation involving two folks fighting about, say, a stolen orange, just because Side A asks for $500,000,000 and Side B offers $5, that doesn’t mean you settle things at $250,000,000. The requests have to be within the realm of reason, and asking for Matt Garza is so perversely ridiculous that it should even be considered an actual request.

Alex

I get what you’re saying, but Garza and Jackson was THEIR expectation in the compensation talks. This was the expectation from their FO, to the Boston media and their fan base.

I can tell you without any doubt that my Red Sox buddy is NOT happy if this happens. It’s not as if they even wanted to meet us in the middle here. They WANT Garza or a top prospect. Anything less and they feel they were robbed.

I totally agree with you on the teams saying no, if they want to keep their executives point. I have made that point on other sites, but Sox fans just don’t want to hear it.

I think Selig is taking the path to least resistance here. Neither side will be happy with the decision. We feel like we gave up too much, their side feels like they didn’t get back enough.

I hope the Vitters/Lake thing is more rumor being thrown out there than anything else. If they end up getting less. I’ll be a very happy camper.

chris margetis

If Boston didn’t want Theo to hit the road, they could have easily just held him to his contract. They should get a squat level player at best. To think they deserve Garza is about par for the course for the typical Sawx fan. Unreal. If they wanted Hoyer four years from now, would they be willing to give up a starter for him?

die hard

I believe Bosox didnt want him anymore and cleverly baited trap for Cubs….but I ranted about that ad nauseum when it happened and nobody saw my point when I said its a push in that Cubs picked up last yr of contract and bonus and if anything Bosox owes Cubs…you can look it up…but what the heck…time will tell if Cubs screwed up…a few WS appearances under Theo will make it all feel better in the morning

http://Ehanauer.com Clark Addison

I have little confidence in Selig. He’s always been Reinsdorf’s tool. As such, he could stick it to the Cubs.

Luis Salazar

It also sucks that Selig is directly involved with the Brewers. It would only help his team by weakening a division rival’s future.

KCubsfan

The Cubs are weak enough right now they dont Selig help to weaken anymore. I dont think He will do anything out of spite

Turn Two

Agreed, logically Bud would have every incentive to want the Cubs to be good. When the Cubs are in the playoffs, people are watching the playoffs.

oswego chris

MLB trade rumors with a couple of sources saying that Cespedes wants to play in Miami…fine in my opinion…big gamble for a 26 year old guy….

Look it’s not a lateral move it was a major promotion he never would have gotten in Boston PERIOD!!!!! Vitters is still a young player and still a top 10 prospect whose improved every year…It’s bullshit and a very dangerous precedent to boot…. Look when Larry the douchebag Lucchino asked the BlueJays for permission to interview John Farrell Alex Anthhoweveryouspellhisname asked for Clay Bucholz for compensation, the jerk off said no…His demands are ridiculous…He should not recieve any top 10 prospect or anyone on the 40 man roster..however i’d have no issue giving them Jeff Baker or Marlon Byrd..

KCubsfan

Vitters and Lake are nothing in the big plan. You care just get this compensation over with if it takes Lake or Vitters even better they will not have an impact on the Cubs future.

Brady

Ill just throw Dewitt’s name out there since he is no longer on the 40 man roster.

Shawn

Theo was given a promotion and the compensation could be a top ten prospect in the system. I can only imagine what the Padres would ask for in a lateral move for Hoyer. The relationship between the two clubs may be swell, but as they say in The Godfather, “Its not personal, its business”.

KCubsfan

The padres wanted Byrnes as their GM from the beginning but he was the GM of the DBacks when Hoyer was hired. So this worked out very well for the Padres in their minds so I dont see it costing that much.

die hard

OT… movie trivia….who was first to say that in the movie and to whom and under what circumstances

http://bleachernation ferris

the comp shoulda been done at time of deal…heres a list pick one that simple.problem is red sox even tho they gave permission are bitter because he took guys with him……..basically they didnt think he’d actually leave imo

BetterNews

Now i’m mad! I never said anything against a person unless a jusifieable comment was unleashed.”

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